The survey charted Finnish perceptions of social security. Working respondents were asked about the length of their contract, working hours, wages, the nature of their job, interest in job sharing and whether they had been unemployed or laid off during the past three years. Unemployed or laid off respondents were asked how long they had been out of work. Further questions pertained to unemployment benefits, respondents' economic situation, standard of living and participation in job training. State of health was examined by asking whether respondents had chronic illnesses or health problems affecting their everyday life or ability to work. Chronically ill persons were asked whether they needed regular medical care, rehabilitation or prescription drugs. Experiences of burnout, insomnia or absent-mindedness were charted. Social relationships were studied by asking about close and confidential relationships. Respondents were asked whether there had been any major changes in their life recently and did they feel they could influence their own life and society. One topic covered voting in the 1994 presidential elections, in the 1994 EU referendum and in the 1995 parliamentary elections. The survey carried a set of attitudinal statements relating to e.g. social and health services, social security, public sector financing, means-tested social benefits, universal basic income (UBI, citizen's income) and income disparity. The extent to which respondents felt able to control their life was surveyed by asking how often they felt uncertainty or indifference, felt their actions were meaningless or that their life was interesting. Confidence in their own ability to solve problems or co-operate with others was assessed. Values were charted by asking how important the following things were to the respondent: religion, religious values, political participation, health services, social services, work, nature, world peace and high standard of living. Opinions on the minimum level of income support were canvassed. Finally, respondents were asked whether they felt poor or debt-laden. Background variables included respondents' sex, year of birth, marital status, basic and vocational education, respondents' and spouses' economic activity and occupation, province of residence.

2003